Highland, IN vs Wabash, IN

The cost of living difference between Highland, IN and Wabash, IN is dramatic. Wabash is 44.4% cheaper than Highland, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Highland has a cost index of 90 while Wabash sits at 63, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Highland is $1,202/month compared to $677/month in Wabash — a 78% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wabash is more affordable at $115,000 median vs $219,500.

Median household income in Highland is $76,219 compared to $54,199 in Wabash (+40.6%). The higher salaries in Highland partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Highland spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Wabash.